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- ELECTED MEMBERS -
 Paula Martin - Chairman
When
I'm not watching Reading: Working for my own business and for the last
few years caring for my husband through a period of bad health, and
when there is time railway modelling
My first memories of Reading: evening games at Elm Park and changing ends at half time
Most memorable Reading game(s):
It is now the promotion game at Leicester, for obvious reasons but
before that it was probably the Wigan play-off semi as the first great
game at the Madejski.
What Reading means to me: It used to be
following a team that everyone thought was an also-ran, but now it is a
team known to all football fans in this country and although I was
always proud of them I am even more so now.
Working for the Trust:
My role is liaison between our members and the club. This gives me the
chance to right wrongs where possible for individual supporters and to
put as supporters view of the match experience. It also means I hear
the reasons the club does certain things that may not be as supporter
friendly as we would like but are then understandable. It also means I
am seen by some supporters as an apologist for the club when I relay
the information, when it is not seen as confidential, but I would
prefer that to increase the awareness of supporters of some of the
limitations to decision making at a football club.
 E-Mail Paula
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 Jon Keen - Vice Chairman & Campaigns Officer
When
I'm not watching Reading: Work as Project Manager/Technical Solutions Consultant for a US-based Identity Management software solutions company, and I'm also a member of the National Council of the Football Supporters Federation (FSF).
My first memories of Reading: The first match I remember was the 1-1 draw against high flying Lincoln City at Elm Park in April 1976. Reading were doing well and heading for their first promotion for years so as a "plastic glory-hunter" I went along to watch - and 31 years later I'm still going along.
Most memorable Reading game(s): Many candidates here - the Simod Cup final, the 13th win away at Newport County, the play-off semi-final v Wigan, and of course two play-off finals - memorable, but for the wrong reasons. But it's got to be away at Preston in August 2005, because this was the first match that I realised that something special was happening at little old Reading.
What Reading means to me: Through 31 years and twelve houses, eleven jobs, two marriages and seventeen cars, supporting Reading is the one thing that's been a constant throughout - many highs and lows but always excitement.
Working for the Trust: I am responsible for managing STAR's campaigns as required, and also for managing STAR's public image and our external communications - how we communicate with the press, with other clubs, Trusts and supporters' organisations, and with the football authorities.
E-Mail Jon
|  Chris Witcher
When
I'm not watching Reading: I'm thinking about watching Reading! - and, now I'm retired, enjoying catching up on all the things I didn't get round to whilst working and commuting.
My first memories of Reading: Although I was first taken to Elm Park at the age of three in 1950 (and sat on the South Stand wall with my legs dangling on the pitch side!), my first memory is of a reserve game against Norwich City in 1955. I think the programme cost 1/2d - that's about 1/5p! After that, my earliest clear memories are of players like Jimmy Whitehouse, Jimmy Wheeler, Douggie Webb and 'Bomber' Ray Reeves in about 1957.
Most memorable Reading game(s): I've always enjoyed reminiscing about great games from the distant past - often big Cup matches or promotion-clinching league games - but nothing really compares with many of the performances we've seen in the last couple of years. How could anything be more memorable than, say, Leicester City 1, Reading 1 that got us into the Premiership, that devastating 25 minutes of attacking football against Derby County when we scored all five goals in our 5-0 win that clinched the Championship title, and the last match of the season when Graeme Murty scored that emotional penalty in our 2-1 win against QPR to complete a full house of outfield scorers and capture the all-time points record? Well, just possibly, it was topped by our first game in the Premiership when we came back from 0-2 to win 3-2 against Middlesbrough to set up our first fantastic season at the top level.
What Reading means to me: Isn't it obvious? Just the same as it means to all you other loyal Royals! Current success and status all the richer for having endured (and enjoyed) all those decades of struggling to get where we are now.
Working for the Trust: It's been my privilege to be STAR's first Chairman and for it to have been during the most exciting and successful period in the Football Club's history. It's a real pleasure to work with so many others, in particular the other Board members, who are so dedicated in what they do for STAR and its members and who give freely so much of their time and energy to 'the cause'. I'm so grateful to them all.
E-Mail Chris
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 Zoe Allen - Social Officer
When
I'm not watching Reading: I work as an Operations Expert and Trainer at a company in Reading. I swim 2-3 times a week, and I’ve played badminton since I was 7 years old. I love traveling, sunshine, art and all things Italian. My boyfriend, Rich, is from Cork so we head over to Ireland a few times a year (on my scouting missions!). My family are local so we see a lot of each other and I enjoy socialising with my school, university, work and football friends.
My first memories of Reading: I attended my first game in 1988 when my brother, John’s football team had tickets to attend a game at Elm Park. My second game was in 1995, again because of John. He’d become a regular South Bank supporter; one day it rained and John needed a lift home, so he asked my dad to go along! This gave me the green light to go, so I did, and I’ve been hanging around ever since!
Most memorable Reading game(s): Mmmm, so many memorable games for so many reasons. I have to firstly include the Championship winning game against Derby last season, and the wonderful experience of Reading FC’s first ever Premiership game (and win!) against Boro. Going back, the 2-1 win over Wolves in 1997 at Elm Park where Archie scored two in injury time was marvelous, and ripping into Stoke at the Britannia in 1999 winning 4-0 and doing the conga in the stands was great! The games in 1998 against Forest when we were relegated and at Stockport when we were thrashed 5-1 in the rain are memorable for the wrong reasons, but remind us how far we’ve come. Oh, and the Wigan play-off game in 2001, when the East Stand shook, was quite an experience!
What Reading means to me: : I am very proud to be a Reading fan. I love the days when the score has gone our way, and I receive calls and texts of congratulations. I’ve completed my years of attending every game; these days I’m at every home game, and I travel to away games as often as I can. Reading provides me with my adrenaline rush; believe it or not, those I work with think I’m a calm person – I just tell them that I get my exhilaration out of the way on a Saturday afternoon! The Mad Stad feels like my second home – I meet the same friends in the same spot by the bar every match day. Away games are often a great excuse for weekends away (with the lads!) – I have many fond memories and great stories about trips to Blackpool, Leeds, Newcastle, and further for pre-seasons – Scotland, Holland and Germany – excellent fun!
Working for the Trust: I wrote my final year dissertation at university on the Corporate Governance of Football in England and Germany. My return to Reading coincided with the transition of the Supporters’ Club into the Trust, and I started to attend the meetings to create STAR. Following the launch, I joined the board as an elected member. I presented Jamie Cureton with his star for the official launch, and following that, landed myself a regular spot on 107FM. I organised a successful party for the promotion last year and am looking forward to the STAR/Royal Families Quiz in April.
E-Mail Zoe
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 Colin Bishop - Operations Officer
When
I'm not watching Reading: I like DIY, I enjoy my garden and fish pond. Enjoy spending time with my new grandson. I am a member of the Reading FC Collectors and Historians, which helps me add to my collection of Reading memorabilia.
My first memories of Reading: Elm Park, the South Bank. Every game I have ever watched from the age of eight.
Most memorable Reading game(s): Reading gaining their first promotion in 50 years at Cambridge in 1975/6, Newport when we got the record wins 1985/6, Leicester 2005/6 and of course The Simod Cup.
What Reading means to me: Everything!
Working for the Trust: I have been involved in the Trust since its formation, I have responsibilty for the Away Transport and the STAR HQ plus the STAR Membership with my wife. Prior to that I was involved with RFSC for over thirty years, I was the last secretary. Our first year in the Premiership has been memorable, I have enjoyed organising all the away coaches. It has been hard work but worth it.
E-Mail Colin
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 Gerry McGreevy - Treasurer
When
I'm not watching Reading: Finance Director for a Reading based IT company.
My first memories of Reading: Rochdale at Elm Park in March 1970.
Most memorable Reading game(s): A 1-0 win at Middlesbrough in 1995. Reading finished second to them that season. It was probably the most complete Reading performance I have ever seen.
Working for the Trust: Have been Treasurer since October 2002 and has previously been Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Supporters’ Club. I look after our money!
E-Mail Gerry
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 Michele Law - Liaison
When
I'm not watching Reading: I don't
have much spare time to do much else after following Reading the length and
breadth of the country and working as a Project Manager, although I do like to
read and am learning to play the guitar
My first memories of Reading: When I
was small I remember my grandfather picking me up and dancing around the room
with me after he'd been listening to the Simod Cup final on the radio.
Most memorable Reading game(s): How many people who were there can say anything but Leicester away in 2006? Such
an amazing day! I also have to mention the 3-2 win over Middlesborough in
2006, Not only because it was our first top flight game, or the amazing
atmosphere or even the match itself with a great turnaround, but all of that
and having the absolute honour of receiving a Championship Winners medal on
behalf of all Reading Fans, an privilege I will never forget.
What Reading Means To Me: It's difficult to put in to words what Reading to me, it has become one
of the biggest parts of my life and I get so much out of it.
Working for the Trust: Allsorts!!
Being a Board member I have been able to get involved with some things that I
would never have been able to otherwise. I have been involved in
organising 2 quiz nights, raise the hoops and various other events.
E-Mail Michele
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 Antony James - Webmaster
When
I'm not watching Reading: When I'm not being an Internet geek I enjoy to travel, my favourite destination being Canada the homeland of my wonderful girlfriend. I'm also a DVD/Blu-Ray fanatic and with 300+ titles they're beginning to overtake the house.
My first memories of Reading: My first Reading experience was during the 97-98 farewell to Elm Park relegation season, when a friend invited me to come along and see a game through the hospitality box his Dad had just bought for the season. I soon switched luxury for the terrace and have been a hooked season ticket holder ever since.
Most memorable Reading game(s): It's unoriginal, but it's hard to believe there will ever be a game that tops the trip to Leicester where we won promotion to the Premier League. The atmosphere in that stand is something I'll never forget and will never be replicated.
What Reading means to me: Reading have put me through every emotion imaginable over the years and
it's difficult to imagine my life without it. I'm proud to be
a supporter of such a well run club who have achieved success the right
way and played football in a style many fans can only dream of seeing.
Many supporters live in the past glories of their club that happened before they
were even born, where as we've witnessed history in the making with
record breaking promotion to the Premiership for the first time EVER
and enjoyed everything that has followed. No matter what good or bad happens in the
future I consider myself extremely lucky to have found Reading FC when I did and for all I've experienced these past years.
Working for the Trust: I was co-opted onto the board in March 2007, then elected, and am responsible for design and maintenance of the STAR website.
E-Mail Antony
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 Wendy Wakefield - Social Events
No Profile Currently Available
E-Mail Wendy
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Paul Ellix
When I'm not watching Reading: I work as a Human Resources Manager. I am very much family orientated and see my son, daughter and grandson as often as I can. I also take every opportunity to visit my family in County Wexford. I am an avid sports and GT car racing fan, which keeps me occupied when the Royals are having their summer break.
My first memories of Reading: As a youngster I went to watch my local club, Brentford; so my first memory of Reading was during Brentford's promotion winning season of 1971/72 where newly relegated Reading (on their way to 16th place in Division 4) did the double over the Bees by winning both games 2-1.
What Reading means to me: I lived in Reading for around twenty years and fell in love with the town and particularly the football club. Whilst work circumstances dictated that I had to relocate from the town in 2003 I am determined to move back to where I regard as home as soon as possible. In the meantime I'll happily commute to all home games, where I sit in the North Stand with my young grandson and travel to pick up a STAR coach for away games.
Working for the Trust: As a new boy on the Trust Board I am still trying to find my way around. I feel that I can do a job on the policy and financial side of things where my career experience from working in the finance industry for over 30 years will help. Although, having said that I'm willing to do anything that's needed.
E-Mail Paul
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 Carolyne Culver
I was introduced to Reading by my dad, who's supported the team since he was a boy. It was Tommy Burns era - which betrays me as a bit of a johnny-come-lately in the grand scheme of things - and it's a miracle the spectacle didn't put me off for life. But I stuck with it, and wouldn't be without my weekly fix now.
There are two good reasons to be suspicious of me - I was born in Aldershot and until last September lived within the shadow of the floodlights at the Rec, and I now work in Oxford. Never mind, hey.
My background is in journalism and PR (more reasons to be wary!) so I hope to help out STAR with communications related work in particular. I look forward to working with everyone else involved in STAR and meeting its members.
E-Mail Carolyne
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- CO-OPTED MEMBERS -
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 Ian Maynard - Community Officer
When
I'm not watching Reading: Music, Theatre, Comedy, Drinking Beer and Eating Pies.
My first memories of Reading: My memories of my 1st few games are a little hazy but I do remember standing with my dad outside the entrance for the players at Elm Park in the 70s to get autographs.
Most memorable Reading game(s): Coventry at home in the Simod Cup; Mark McGhee's 1st game back at Elm Park as the Wolves manager; 3-3 draw at home to Nottingham Forest- Steve Stone's shocking miss and James Lambert's wonder strike- and of course- Brentford (away)- Curo's equaliser that won promotion- plus Leicester away last season.
What Reading means to me: It has become more important when bothered by those who can't understand why I support Reading because it's not a fashionable club.
Working for the Trust: Involved with the Community side of the Trust's business.
E-Mail Ian
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 Trevor Mossman - Exiles Co-Ordinator
When not watching Reading: Structural Engineer by profession and was responsible for design of Old Trafford re-development which increased capacity to 65,000. More recently worked on new Robin Hood Airport at Doncaster, and Factory Outlet Centre at Gloucester due to open in the Spring 2009.
First memories of Reading: I think I started going to Elm Park around 1970 when my dad took my brother and I, joining him, my grandad and great uncle - following the Club is quite a family tradition!
Most memorable games: I've got to include the Leicester game seeing us clinch promotion to the top flight, and many of the first Premiership season's performances. Before that, there was the play-off final against Bolton which, despite the result, showed the wider public what we were capable of and was probably the start of the current "era". The Simod Cup final at Wembley (when Luton were one of the in form top teams) and the dramatic semi-final win on penalties at Elm Park.
What Reading means to me: The chance to follow a club which has generally taken an interest in it's fans and given us many years of excitement - highs and lows - so long may it continue.
Working for STAR: As an exiled Royals fan myself, I know what it's like not being able to share your interest with others nearby, particularly following one of the "unfashionable" clubs. My main aim as Exiles Co-ordinator is therefore to get exiled fans in touch with each other, whether just to chat about things or attending matches together. I want exiled fans to be as much part of STAR as Reading based supporters, and through the regional branches across the UK and worldwide this is starting to happen, so please support your local STAR Exiles group.
E-Mail Trevor
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 Helen Bullen - Goodwill & Liaison Team
When
I'm not watching Reading: I work for one of the high
street banks in their commercial customer services, but when I'm not
doing that or following the Royals, I enjoy spending time with my
family & friends (all of whom I woefully neglect for 9 months of
each year!), going to watch live music, reading and catching up with my
Sky Plus viewing!
My first memories of Reading: Probably realising that we
had a football team and watching for their result on Grandstand every
Saturday when I was a kid. Dad took me to see them play a couple of
times when I was in my teens.
Most memorable match - Has to be the Simod Cup Final at Wembley, which
was the first time I'd ever been there. Fantastic day, fantastic result!
Most memorable Reading game(s): Has to be the Simod Cup Final at Wembley, which was the first time I'd ever been there. Fantastic day, fantastic result!
What Reading means to me: Like many, I never thought I
would get to see them in the dizzy heights of the Premier League and
cried like a baby after the Leicester game when it sunk in that we were
going up! I'm proud to be able to say that I support them and I feel
like I'm part of a family when I go to the Mad Stad every week.
Working for the Trust: I have only recently joined
the Board as a co-opted member with it's Goodwill & Liaison Team.
I'm looking forward to helping the Trust achieve its aims by bringing
new ideas that will strengthen our relationship with the club and with
other clubs and their supporters.
E-Mail Helen
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 January 2009 )
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